The official calendar for the Spring/Summer 2026 ready-to-wear season was released last week, and it’s already stirring anticipation. A remarkable number of debuts are set to unfold—each one raising questions about the future of some of fashion’s most iconic houses, including Dior, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga, Chanel, and more. So, what’s coming between September 23 and October 7? Here's a preview.

Let’s start in Milan, running from September 23 to 29. Versace will unveil its first collection without Donatella at the helm, with Dario Vitale now leading the house into a new and promising era. Meanwhile, Jil Sander turns its gaze toward a fresh expression of elegance with the debut of Simone Bellotti, following his sixteen-year tenure at Gucci.

Arguably the most anticipated event of the week is Louise Trotter’s inaugural collection for Bottega Veneta. Her experience at Carven, Lacoste, and Tommy Hilfiger positions her as a rising force, with a singular vision that feels made for the Italian house.

Speaking of Carven, we move to Paris—September 29 to October 7—where Mark Thomas will make his debut as creative director, stepping up from his previous role under Trotter. Designers Jack McCollough and Lázaro Hernández are also set to reveal their take on feminine fashion at Loewe, a house now under intense scrutiny following the departure of Jonathan Anderson.

And speaking of Anderson, after his acclaimed first menswear season, he returns to the spotlight—this time on the womenswear schedule. The same goes for Michael Rider at Celine and Glenn Martens at Maison Margiela, both of whom are riding high on the buzz generated by their recent couture presentations.

Now, let’s talk reconfigurations. These dates will be pivotal for the future of fashion’s biggest players. Chanel officially welcomes Matthieu Blazy as its new creative director, following two test-run collections under his lead. After Demna’s emotional farewell at Balenciaga’s couture show, the house begins a new chapter with Pierpaolo Piccioli, set to debut on October 4.

To round out the list of new faces, Miguel Castro Freitas will attempt to bring Mugler back to the top on October 2. And after years without a fixed director, Jean Paul Gaultier returns to the runway with a bold, playful new take led by Duran Lantink—one that promises to honor the essence of the founder while rewriting its codes.

New stories. Fresh visions. Debuts that may reshape the course of fashion. The upcoming Fashion Weeks in Paris and Milan will be the ultimate test for these historic appointments—revealing just how well these houses can preserve their legacy while ushering in new creative minds. We’ll be following every debut closely. Stay tuned to The Walk.